Zero Patience
dir. John Greyson · 1993
Plot
The ghost of "patient zero", who allegedly first brought AIDS to North America - materialises and tries to contact old friends. Meanwhile, the Victorian explorer Sir Richard Burton, who drank from the Fountain of Youth and now works as Chief Taxidermist at the Toronto Natural history Museum, is trying to organise an exhibition about the disease for the museum's "Hall of Contagion".
Why watch
The ghost of "patient zero" emerges from the shadows of history, seeking connection with those who remember him. As he navigates the complexities of memory and loss, the film unfolds like a musical tapestry, blending the past with the present in a vibrant exploration of identity and societal stigma. Watching it feels like stepping into a dream where the boundaries of time blur, and the echoes of history resonate through song and dialogue.